In this lesson, children learn that God hears His people when they cry out to Him and keeps His promises even when they don’t deserve it. This lesson is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God listens when we pray, and He keeps His promises even when we make mistakes. He is faithful, even when people are not.
Memory Verse
2 Kings 13:4
Jehoahaz begged the LORD, and the LORD listened to him; for he saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Syria oppressed them.
(WEB)
Have the children cup their hands around their mouths, then lift them up toward the ceiling as if calling out. Then have them put their hands together in prayer and say, “God listens!” Repeat the motion together three times.
The Story: 2 Kings 13 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a king in the northern kingdom of Israel named Jehoahaz. He did not follow God. He copied the bad choices of the kings before him, and he led the people into sin. Because of this, God let the king of Syria, Hazael, come and cause great trouble for Israel.
The Syrian army was strong, and Israel’s army became very small. Jehoahaz had only a few horsemen and chariots left. The people were scared and hurting. Jehoahaz did something important. He stopped and cried out to the LORD. He said, in his own words, “Please help us!”
God heard Jehoahaz. God saw how hard life had become for His people. So God sent someone to save Israel. The Bible does not tell us exactly who this savior was, but God rescued the people, and they were able to go back to living in their own homes again. God kept His promise to take care of them, even though the people had not been faithful to Him.
Years later, another king named Joash became king. Joash did not follow God’s ways either. But before the great prophet Elisha died, Joash came to visit him. Joash was very sad and cried. He said, “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” He knew how much Israel needed God’s help.
Elisha told Joash to take a bow and arrows. He told him to shoot an arrow toward the east, toward Syria, and say that it was the LORD’s arrow of victory. Then Elisha told him to strike the ground with his arrows. Joash struck the ground only three times and stopped. Elisha was upset, because Joash could have won more battles if he had kept going.
Even after Elisha died, God was still showing His power. A dead man was once touched by Elisha’s bones and came back to life. God still cared for His people, and He was still faithful to the promises He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob long ago.
Read It Together
2 Kings 13:23
But the LORD was gracious to them, and had compassion on them, and had respect for them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, and he didn’t cast them from his presence as yet.
(WEB)
Point out that God was gracious and had compassion on Israel even though they kept sinning. Explain that God keeps His promises because of who He is, not because we are perfect. Ask the children to name something God has done to take care of them.
2 Kings 13:17
He said, “Open the window eastward”; and he opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot!” and he shot. He said, “The LORD’s arrow of victory, even the arrow of victory over Syria; for you will strike the Syrians in Aphek, until you have consumed them.”
(WEB)
Show the children how Elisha asked Joash to open the window and shoot the arrow. Explain that God sometimes asks us to take action and trust Him with the results. Talk about a time when God helped the children do something brave.
2 Kings 13:21
As they were burying a man, behold, they saw a band of raiders; and they threw the man into Elisha’s tomb. As soon as the man touched Elisha’s bones, he revived, and stood up on his feet.
(WEB)
Point out that a dead man came back to life when he touched Elisha’s bones. Explain that this shows God’s great power, and that nothing is too hard for Him. Ask the children what they think about God’s power over life and death.
Talk About It
- What did Jehoahaz do when he and his people were in trouble?
- How do you think God felt when He saw His people hurting?
- Why did God keep His promises to Israel even when they did wrong?
- Why do you think Joash was sad when Elisha was about to die?
- What is one thing you can pray to God about this week?
Activity Ideas
Arrow of Victory Craft
You will need paper, markers, tape, and a craft stick or straw for each child. Have the children draw an arrow on paper and write “The LORD’s arrow of victory” on it. Tape the paper to the stick or straw. Let them decorate it and take it home as a reminder that God gives us victory.
Strike the Ground Game
You will need a soft ball or a folded sock. Set up a simple target on the floor or ground. Have each child take a turn tossing the ball and say, “God is faithful!” when they hit or come close to the target. Encourage them to keep going and not stop too soon, just like Joash should have done.
Prayer Jar Take-Home
You will need a small jar or cup, paper, and a pencil. Have each child write one prayer request on a slip of paper and place it in the jar. Encourage them to take the jar home and pray over one slip each day for the rest of the week. This helps them remember that God hears every prayer.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is patient and faithful even when His people repeatedly choose sin. Israel’s kings kept leading the nation away from God, yet God still listened to their cries and kept His covenant with the patriarchs. It also shows that God’s blessings are not always tied to how perfectly people behave, and that His grace is much larger than our failures.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the details of the story, especially the Syrian wars and the political history. Keep the focus on God’s listening, His faithfulness, and the idea that He keeps His word. Be careful not to suggest that every prayer will be answered in the exact way we expect, because God’s timing and wisdom are always greater than ours.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for listening when we pray to You. Thank You for being faithful and keeping Your promises, even when we make mistakes. Help us to trust You every day and to know that You are always with us. Amen.
